Tonight we celebrated our last potluck dinner of the summer and we made it a great send off for our dedicated intern, Hannah Stone. Hannah’s family came as well as Alina and Camille, two former interns who are equally beloved by everyone who frequents the Giving Garden. We shared Hannah stories, Pastor Carlisle said a prayer for her and Sarah McGinley brought a treasure trove of Hannah pictures so everyone could take one home and pray for her transition to UTC.
My favorite part of the evening was Hannah’s garden story that she shared with all of us. I asked if I could share her comments and she agreed. Listen to her words and say a prayer of thanks for Hannah and all the other wonderful people who find their way down Aldersgate Lane to the Giving Garden.
“In the summer of 2020, my mom encouraged me to take a trip down to the Giving Garden. I was sixteen — an online high school student navigating the topsy-turvy COVID world as best I could. Deep down, however, I was lonely and in the midst of a difficult time of my life. Lockdowns greatly restricted social activities and my homeschooler status limited my options even further. I needed a place to channel the pent-up energy boiling within me; a place to ground myself in the natural world and engage in meaningful connections with others. Coming out to the garden alone for the first time was intimidating; I had no idea what to expect and who I might meet there. However, many of my fears quickly vanished as the Garden Crew welcomed me into their numbers and put me to work. I hauled buckets of fish emulsion into the fields to nourish tomato plants, weeded endless beds, and began forming new friendships along the way.
Five years later, I am nearing the end of my time at the garden with a full heart, countless memories, and a collection of dear friends and mentors. I’ve evolved from a volunteer to an employee as I took on the role of Hoop House Jedi and cared for my 400 tomato babies. I’m so grateful to my sixteen-year-old self who took my mom’s advice, mustered my courage, and gave the garden a try.
Sometimes, a small step of courage will shape your life in deep and meaningful ways.” ~ Hannah Stone, Beloved Giving Garden Intern